Pokemon: Spiritual Master

After several days of exciting battles, the "Master Replacement Battle" officially concluded.

It had to be said that Champions from various regions were indeed skilled, and veteran trainers also demonstrated exceptional abilities. All sixteen "Master Ball Tier" contestants lived up to the "Master" title.

Sixteen "Master Ball Tier" contestants and sixteen challengers total.

Only a few ultimately succeeded in challenging and "advancing."

The first was naturally Steven, who defeated former Paldea Champion Peony and claimed victory, advancing to Master Ball Tier.

The second was somewhat surprising—Brandon from the Battle Frontier, who with his three Legendary Titans' invincible might, actually defeated the "Royal Masked Man" and successfully advanced!

The so-called "Royal Masked Man" naturally referred to Professor Kukui.

If people like Leon and Geeta, who simultaneously served as League Champions and League Presidents, were extremely busy, then Professor Kukui not only served as Alola League President and Champion but also held positions as Alola region's chief Pokémon Professor and Pokémon School teacher.

That was truly... Professor Burnet could barely see him anymore.

Thus, the under-prepared Professor Kukui ultimately fell short by one move and lost.

But Johan suspected he was quite happy—finally having some time during the "Pokémon World Championships" break to spend more quality time with Professor Burnet.

Professor Kukui's disguised "Royal Masked Man" was also the only Champion to lose in this "Master Replacement Battle."

But considering Alola region's special circumstances, everyone could accept this.

The third successful challenger was... incredibly, Flint!

This guy actually beat Raihan!

Perhaps because he'd spent time with Johan and learned quite a bit, Flint had actually grasped some "Sunny Day team" techniques.

When a hothead learns "martial arts," it's truly hard to stop.

Couldn't really call them techniques—just... using Sunny Day to counter "weather prince" Raihan's various weather tactics.

Finally, relying on Infernape's "death battle," he forcefully performed an absolute comeback, taking down three opponents in a row, including Raihan's ace Duraludon.

It had to be said, Raihan's strength was actually quite formidable. If not for Leon overshadowing him, Raihan would definitely be more than just a Gym Leader in any other region.

Even in Kalos, Alola, or Unova regions, Raihan had the qualifications and ability to compete for Champion.

As for Flint... he was typically someone who rose to meet strength—he could battle desperately against slightly weaker opponents and create life-or-death situations against powerful foes.

Even when facing Cynthia, if Flint and his Infernape went berserk, sweeping two or three opponents wasn't impossible.

Unfortunately, when facing Garchomp, that "mountain," it could steadily suppress them.

Too bad Duraludon had almost no advantage against Infernape.

This match exceeded most people's expectations.

In post-match interviews, Flint stated: "Thanks to Teacher Johan's 'special blend' cuisine, I felt full of power."

!!

Teacher Johan was thrust into trending topics again.

Johan, who hadn't topped trending lists for winning matches, was sent to #1 trending by Flint's single interview after his victory.

This made Johan once again lament how the world had changed and people's hearts weren't what they used to be.

This created a situation...

"I say, you all..."

Looking at the large group of people sitting around the dining table waiting for meals, Johan pressed his temples, feeling a headache.

"Johan lad, don't talk so much, bring out the food!" Master Mustard called out cheerfully.

Under Flint's "influence," Johan's "workload" had skyrocketed.

Just... he could barely understand carefree veterans like Mustard and Alder coming, but why had Elite Four Agatha and Pryce also arrived?

Were your personalities really the type to mooch meals?

Though they still had matches and he could forcibly accept that, but... Drake, Wallace, Caitlin, Bruno, Raihan, Tobias, N—you guys were already eliminated, yet still came to join this commotion?

Speaking of which, it was rather unfortunate.

Flint had beaten Raihan, but Wallace hadn't succeeded in his challenge.

Actually, Wallace's best opponent should have been Lorelei, but Wallace chose to challenge Alder and was ultimately "disciplined" by the old man.

However, this fit the "atmosphere" of this "Pokémon World Championships'" "Master Replacement Battle" stage.

Except for a few people, most challengers chose opponents based purely on "whim"—fighting whoever they wanted, as if they had no intention of advancing to "Master Ball Tier."

Actually, Johan had thought of another possibility...

Could Wallace have already guessed that he would pass the Champion position to Steven? And given Steven's personality and position, he'd probably step down within a year or two, making Wallace an excellent choice.

Was he already intentionally "acting"?

No, impossible.

Besides himself, no one else should have such deep thoughts.

Of course, the most "bold" was definitely Tobias.

Because this guy's opponent was actually Granny Agatha!

When Johan learned this information, he was stunned for three seconds, then silently gave Tobias a thumbs up.

Brave, so brave!

Probably listened to a song called "Courage."

"I promised Darkrai I'd bring it to eat Teacher Johan's cooking," Tobias said without embarrassment.

Current Tobias, in some sense, had cooperative relationships with both Johan and Boss Giovanni.

The Pokémon trading cards he promoted were already being implemented under Rainbow Rocket Group's "Rainbow Entertainment" subsidiary and receiving good response.

And Johan... had legitimately gained card printing qualifications.

Though there were surprises and unexpected results, the final sixteen "Master Ball Tier" spots were confirmed.

They were: Agatha, Lance, Johan, Cynthia, Alder, Diantha, Leon, Geeta, Pryce, Giovanni, Lorelei, Mustard, Gibeon (Spinel), Steven, Brandon, and Flint.

After today, tomorrow would be the official Master Tournament draw ceremony.

The draw was said to be completely random and public—just didn't know who would face whom.

Johan only hoped not to encounter Agatha, Lance, Cynthia, Leon, Geeta, Pryce, Giovanni...

Hm?

Seemed like there weren't many he wanted to face?

Sigh, Master Tournament opponents were all too strong. Not wanting to face any of them—could he forfeit?

Should he make an extra-spicy version and take out everyone present?

The next day.

Galar region's Wyndon Stadium once again gathered worldwide attention.

With the "Master Replacement Battle's" conclusion, the "Pokémon World Championships" officially entered the final Master Tournament phase.

Today, the first round Master Tournament draw would take place here.

The audience seats remained packed, and major streaming channels were equally crowded.

The host's voice remained as passionate and enthusiastic as ever.

Johan and others, plus many already-eliminated participants, waited in the contestant viewing area for draw results.

"Alright! Without further ado, let's proceed with everyone's most anticipated draw!"

On the big screen, sixteen contestant portraits flashed as countdown time reached zero under countless expectant gazes.

The next second, lightning-bolt battle symbols appeared on screen as groupings were announced one after another.

Spectators held their breath, watching continuously jumping portraits, finding themselves unable to control their gasps of surprise.

[Lance VS Lorelei]

[Cynthia VS Diantha]

[Leon VS Flint]

[Agatha VS Brandon]

[Pryce VS Steven]

[Geeta VS Alder]

[Giovanni VS Mustard...]

When Johan saw the first three matchups, he immediately wanted to shout "rigged!"

Lance and Lorelei? Cynthia and Diantha? Leon and Flint?

This definitely had inside manipulation—Johan wouldn't believe otherwise.

The organizers claimed "completely random"?

He'd interrogate Leon properly later.

But as he continued looking, Johan's heart began racing.

Setting aside Granny Agatha versus Brandon, the Pryce versus Steven battle—Ice vs Steel types—seemed to favor Steven, but that was Pryce after all.

But thinking again, that was Steven after all!

Then: Geeta VS Alder!

A true Champion versus Champion clash!

What Johan most anticipated was definitely Boss Giovanni VS Master Mustard.

Good heavens!

This was almost a battle between two genuine "legends," right?

Boss Giovanni's strength, Master Mustard's abilities...

Tsk.

Even Johan couldn't wait to see the Master Tournament battles—truly fascinating!

Wait!

Suddenly, Johan realized something.

One, two, three, four... seven. One group was missing—two people, one being himself, so his opponent was...

[Johan VS Gibeon!]

Sure enough, the final group featured his name, with his opponent clearly being Spinel!

Johan instinctively looked toward Spinel's position.

The opponent was also looking his way.

Spinel smiled warmly, bowing slightly toward Johan in a polite, respectful, humble manner.

Johan returned an even warmer smile.

Both simultaneously turned away, their smiles disappearing.

Damn it.

He'd just said Spinel had angered Giovanni and Geeta so he didn't need to worry, yet the Master Tournament's first round immediately matched him against Spinel?

His previously decent mood soured upon seeing this draw.

He'd rather fight Flint than Spinel.

Not that Spinel was particularly strong.

Among all sixteen contestants, Spinel was probably the weakest.

Even accounting for his prepared Pokémon and "Rakua elements," Spinel's ranking wouldn't be high.

But... toads don't bite, but they're disgusting!

Was this draw truly random or fake random?

If truly random, there were so many "grudge matches."

But if fake random, why not have Chairman Geeta take down Spinel?

Anyway, after seeing his opponent was Spinel... Johan's mood wasn't great.

"Ka-kaah~"

Gengar naturally sensed Johan's mood, eyes rolling mischievously.

"No misbehaving," Johan patted the purple fatty's head, eyes narrowing as he said softly: "We'll settle this on the battlefield."

Since it was disgusting, he'd give the opponent hell on the battlefield.

After the draw concluded came schedule arrangements.

Like the "Master Replacement Battle" stage, sixteen to eight meant eight total battles in full rotation format—definitely couldn't finish in one or two days.

Soon the match order and schedule were announced.

Day one, first match—

[Johan VS Gibeon]

He was first up.

Now Johan was certain the tournament was rigged—claiming "truly random" was complete deception.

"Gibeon"—no, Spinel—had made too many obvious preparations when challenged by Janine in the "Master Replacement Battle."

This time they'd scheduled his battle with Johan for day one's first match, giving Spinel minimal preparation and planning time.

Seemed like... the League also greatly resented people like Spinel who you disliked but couldn't do anything about.

But that was normal.

After Spinel's match with Janine ended, online comments about Spinel and negative remarks about organizers weren't few.

People like Spinel, relying on petty cleverness, minor tricks, and small-scale technology to cause trouble in "Master Tournament" events, definitely created significant negative impact.

Online support for Johan was already overwhelming.

Such one-sided support was rare.

But Spinel wasn't without supporters—just fewer vocal ones.

This phenomenon indicated... some people were indeed noticing Spinel's currently undetectable Pokémon enhancement methods.

One of Spinel's surface goals was already showing results.

Besides discussions about Johan versus Spinel, online talk about other groupings was abundant.

Lance and Lorelei's "destined duel," the tournament arrangement between Champion sisters Cynthia and Diantha, received the most attention among all eight battles.

Leon versus Flint was dubbed "avenging brothers."

The clash between veterans Agatha and Brandon, the "exchange" between old-generation Pryce and young-generation Steven.

Every match had considerable attention.

Every battle had supporters on both sides.

Except for feeling uncomfortable about facing Spinel, Johan was very excited about this "Pokémon World Championships" overall.

The usually lively villa garden was particularly quiet tonight.

Without anyone causing commotion, Johan felt somewhat unaccustomed.

But considering tomorrow was his battle, plus everyone needing time to prepare after learning their opponents.

Even Cynthia needed sufficient personal time for adjustments, arrangements, and preparations when facing Diantha.

Pokémon conditions, tactical arrangements, analyzing opponents' Pokémon and tactical habits, switching carried items, preparing enhancement methods, etc.

All needed advance preparation.

But for Johan... he didn't need excessive preparation.

Because his understanding of Spinel was limited, and based on the latter's battle with Janine, he'd probably make unpredictable adjustments.

"Fine then, at least not so tiring..."

In a recliner under the tree, Johan enjoyed the moonlight while contentedly sipping juice.

Gurgle gurgle—

Johan looked up while biting his straw: "Come out, it's late at night."

From dense tree canopy, a ninja-clad figure descended slowly on spider silk.

The visitor was Janine.

"Advisor," Janine respectfully addressed Johan by his Team Rocket title.

Johan grimaced.

What era was this, still calling people "sir"?

"Want some juice?" Johan took a green fruit juice from nearby.

Simultaneously waving: "Hanging upside down too long causes blood rushing to the head—come down first."

Janine paused.

"Yes!"

Landing silently without a sound before Johan.

In this nighttime setting, with Janine's outfit and secretive corner behavior, unknowing observers might think Johan was hiring an assassin.

"Sit." Johan turned to get a small stool, then found... Janine had already sat on the grass.

Johan: "..."

Fine.

"Late night visit to ask me to 'avenge' you tomorrow?" Johan handed over juice, asking jokingly.

Honestly, Johan and Janine's relationship was quite good.

Back in Ecruteak City, they'd interacted, with Janine providing considerable help in developing Gengar's Poison-type abilities.

They occasionally communicated online, mostly Johan asking about Poison-type Pokémon matters.

Just... recently Janine found it increasingly difficult to answer Johan's questions.

Like: How much would Gengar's poison strengthen after absorbing Eternatus's Poison-type energy?

After reading such questions, Janine was completely bewildered.

What was Eternatus?

Could normal humans really answer such questions?

Janine, wearing a mask with unreadable expressions, simply produced documents and a hand-drawn map from somewhere, placing them before Johan.

"This is?"

"Outstanding Inc.'s, 'Gibeon's' arrangements in Wyndon City, including prepared Pokémon."

Johan understood.

No wonder Spinel could make such thorough preparations against Janine.

So the massive Outstanding Inc. corporation and ancient Explorers organization were backing him.

Those Pokémon might lack top-tier strength, but with "Rakua elements" it was hard to say.

"Mm." Johan nodded thoughtfully.

Janine asked: "We have considerable personnel in Galar region now. Should we take this opportunity to..."

She made a sharp slashing gesture.

Take them out!

Johan quickly pressed down her hands, saying seriously: "What are you thinking? We're not gangsters now—no wait, we were never gangsters."

Under Janine's confused gaze, Johan coughed lightly.

"Anyway, no need. Don't dirty our hands for such things—we're a legitimate organization now, legitimate!"

Legitimate organization?

Then what was she in the League?

"Just watch them, don't let them escape."

Johan drained his juice with "glug glug" sounds, clapped his hands, and stood.

His expression and aura immediately changed, voice carrying determination:

"Even if he could conjure flowers, even if he brought one or multiple legendary Pokémon, I'd still pin him down and give him the treatment he deserves!"

Turning to look at the somewhat dazed Janine sitting on the ground, he smiled slightly:

"I am Johan, after all!"

For a moment, Janine seemed to see Giovanni—the shadow of Boss Giovanni in his youth, that absolute confidence, that overwhelming presence.

No.

Current Teacher Johan was even stronger than young Boss Giovanni!

If Teacher Johan inherited Team Rocket's leadership, she'd be the first to support him with both hands!

And would definitely become Teacher Johan's most loyal supporter!

Janine immediately stood, assuming ninja posture, standing straight as a solemn voice came from behind her mask:

"Yes!"

Johan dropped his previous serious expression, returning to his harmless smile.

"Don't be so formal. It's just a minor character—paying too much attention actually lowers our status."

Janine nodded.

Though she'd lost in competition, that was competition. In the wild—no, even in a house—Janine could ensure he wouldn't see the next day's sun.

"Um..."

Janine suddenly lowered her voice.

"Mm?"

"Teacher Johan, you know our ninja families are sometimes traditional. To maintain family continuation, arranged marriages are common practice..."

"So?"

"My younger sister is eighteen..."

A question mark appeared above Johan's head.

"If Miss Cynthia doesn't mind—mmph!"

Johan was shocked.

He quickly covered Janine's mouth, eyes scanning around.

Are you trying to die?!

Even if you're Janine, no matter how strong your stealth abilities, facing our little cabbage would be certain death!

Such words shouldn't be spoken.

People would die... not just Janine, but including them.

Didn't you see even Gengar had hidden, covering its ears pretending not to hear?

Even ghosts were afraid!

Johan released his hand from Janine's mouth, coughing lightly with righteous indignation:

"Give up, Janine. I only love Cynthia!"

Janine paused, quickly saying: "This subordinate was presumptuous."

Johan waved dismissively: "As punishment, go back and reflect. Copy the 'Rainbow Rocket Group Manual' thirty times. Go!"

He winked at Janine.

"Yes!"

After Janine left, the faint psychic fluctuations finally disappeared "indignantly."

Johan gently wiped his forehead, sighing in relief.

Close call...

Janine's sudden appearance was fine, but it inevitably drew attention, like... Caitlin sleeping cuddled with Cynthia.

He'd avoided "unwarranted disaster," but as for Janine...

She could only pray for herself.

However, Caitlin's recent psychic control had improved significantly—Janine hadn't even sensed it.

As one of three executives alongside Sabrina, Janine actually had her own methods for sensing psychic power.

Just this visit was somewhat hasty, plus Janine never thought she'd need to worry about psychic detection at Teacher Johan's residence, so she hadn't prepared for it.

"Tsk."

Johan rubbed his chin twice, deciding to distract himself.

"Might as well prepare for battle and aim for quick resolution."

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Powerstones?

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